Monitoring ground engaging products

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for detecting a characteristic of a ground engaging product on earth working equipment are described. The apparatus is operable to: measure a temperature profile at a ground engaging product location; compare the measured temperature profile with an expected temperature profile for that ground engaging product; and indicate a characteristic of the ground engaging product based on the comparison. Thermal inserts for use with ground engaging products on earth working equipment are also described.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A ground engaging product comprising an exterior surface and a thermal insert partly located within the exterior surface, and providing an externally visible outer surface, where the outer surface has a thermal conductivity differing from a thermal conductivity of the exterior surface. 
     
     
         25 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 24 , wherein the thermal insert includes a thermally insulated layer surrounding a side and a lower surface of the outer surface thereby reducing thermal transfer between the outer surface and other parts of the thermal insert and surrounding areas of the ground engaging product. 
     
     
         26 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 24 , wherein the thermal insert includes a target area and having first thermal properties, and a mount extending from a lower part of the target area for insertion into the ground engaging product. 
     
     
         45 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 44 , wherein the target area includes an outer surface, and the thermal insert comprises an insulating layer surrounding an edge of the target area or an edge of the mount. 
     
     
         46 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 44 , wherein the thermal insert further comprises a power source and a controller. 
     
     
         47 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 46 , wherein the thermal insert further comprises a thermal unit for heating or cooling part or all of the thermal insert. 
     
     
         48 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 46 , wherein the thermal insert further comprises a thermal emitter for emitting a known signal for use in locating or calibrating the thermal insert. 
     
     
         49 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 46 , wherein the thermal insert further comprises an accelerometer operable to detect movement of the ground engaging product. 
     
     
         50 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 46 , wherein the thermal insert further comprises a transceiver for supporting wireless communications with remote devices. 
     
     
         51 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 46 , wherein the thermal insert further comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at or near the thermal insert. 
     
     
         52 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 46 , wherein the power source is rechargeable and the thermal insert further comprises a charging unit. 
     
     
         53 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 44  including cavity for mounting on a base of an earth working equipment. 
     
     
         54 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 44  including a wear member having a cavity for mounting the wear member on a base of an earth working equipment and a hole, and a lock received in the hole to secure the ground engaging product to the base. 
     
     
         55 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 54 , wherein the exterior surface is on the wear member. 
     
     
         56 . A ground engaging product according to  claim 54 , wherein the exterior surface is on the lock.